Top Ten Glee Episodes To Rewatch Before The Series Finale

I watched six years of Glee so you don't have to. The list is heavy on competitions, but didn't we watch for the songs?

1. Showmance, Season 1 Episode 2

20th Century Fox

The show started with the Pilot, but the glee club wasn't the New Directions until the Unholy Trinity joined. Sure Santana and Brittany will remain undeveloped for several episodes, but the Rachel-Finn-Quinn love triangle is established and the New Directions' performance of "Push It" solidifies their position as outcasts.

2. Journey to Regionals, Season 1, Episode 22

20th Century Fox

Perhaps the peak of Glee's popularity, that's not why this episode deserves to be included. There are so many other reasons to love this episode: Finn finally tells Rachel he loves her, the Journey Tribute is the most memorable performance, and Vocal Adrenaline/Quinn's Birth mash-up was perfect.

On a related topic, the running gag is Mr. Shue is Journey crazy, but that's not entirely fair. Finn had the original members sing "Don't Stop Believin'" in the Pilot.

3. Never Been Kissed, Season 2, Episode 6

20th Century Fox

The only episode from Season 2 to make this list. This episode has everything: Boys v. Girls Mash-up, the introduction of the Warblers (a better antagonist than Vocal Adrenaline) and Blaine, the start of the bully story arc, and high school students being high school students.

4. Hold On to Sixteen, Season 3, Episode 8

20th Century Fox

In case Lea Michele ever reads this post, let me say I love her voice and her performance as Rachel Berry. Rachel Berry, however, deserves fewer solos. The best thing about this episode is other members get to shine. Santana, Mercedes, and Brittany perform in the Troubletones and since Rachel is suspended because she stuffed the ballet box during the Senior Class President election, Kurt and Tina have a chance to sing center stage. Plus, the New Directions perform a Jackson 5 tribute, so the inclusion of this episode on the list is tip of the hat to the Brittany, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston tributes that did not make the list.

5. Nationals, Season 3, Episode 21

20th Century Fox

The first MUST episode for any Glee list. Three great things happen in this episode as Rachel earns her stop in NYADA, the New Directions win Nationals, and, best of all, they win the respect of McKinley High. It's everything they've been working towards during the past three years.

Tongue Tied is still on my happy song playlist.

6. Goodbye, Season 3, Episode 22

20th Century Fox

This episode was series finale 1.0. A nice blend of the new and flashbacks.

7. The Break Up, Season 4, Episode 4

20th Century Fox

For full disclosure, I am rewatching this episode as I write this post, so perhaps it just too fresh in my mind.

The Break Up is the shift between high school and post-high school. Finchel, Klaine, and Brittana all end and Wemma is on the rocks. Blaine's Teenage Dream is amazing. The blending between Lima and NYC is what season 4 should be. And the episode closes out with Cold Play's "Scientist." So Great.

8. The Quarterback, Season 5, Episode

20th Century Fox

The second MUST episode for any Glee list. First, it was a great tribute to Cory Monteith, it is more important to remember how someone lived than how they died. Second, Cory's death looms large throughout the rest of the series, so much like the episodes Goodbye and New Directions, Cory's death, and therefore this episode, is huge shift in the series. Third, "If I Die Young" is my favorite performance by Naya Rivera/Santana.

9. City of Angels, Season 5, Episode 11

20th Century Fox

The best part of Lima, OH during season 4 and 5 was Blam and they get to shine in "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For," along with Artie and Tina. In case you stop watching Glee prior to season 5, the New Directions perform all of Finn's favorite songs at Nationals and their performance includes sentimental flashbacks. Perhaps Cory's death looms large in this post.

Additionally, this episode solidifies Burt Hummel as the best father and husband there is.

*Spoiler* because they ONLY finish second at Nationals, the glee club is disbanded. Perhaps they would have finished first if Unique, last year's MVP had more time to shine.

10. We Built This Glee Club, Season 6, Episode 11

20th Century Fox

I love the season 6 additions (and Kitty). It's a shame they only got half a season, especially Mason. He's more than twincest and his facial expressions are scene stealers. If you haven't watched the episode yet, go to Hulu and search for the clip Glee: A Special Gift (things escalate until Mr. Shue shaves Sue's head). Then look for "Chandelier", my favorite performance of the season (Kitty, Madison, Myron, and the Warbles all desire a shout out) and "Come Sail Away" on Hulu or Youtube. Why didn't Jane get a chance to shine?